VSL (Van Swinden Laboratorium, named after the 18th century Dutch scientist) is the National Metrology Institute in The Netherlands.

VSL manages and develops primary measurement standards and primary reference materials on behalf of the Dutch government. These measurement standards are the foundation for reliable measurements in science, industry, fair trade and other areas. 

VSL also participates in research projects to develop newer and better measurement methods.

We make measurement results from companies, laboratories and institutes directly traceable to national and international standards. We also calibrate measuring instruments on behalf of customers, produce reference materials, organise interlaboratory comparisons and transfer our metrology knowledge by providing training and consultancy.

VSL is a globally recognised metrology institute. Our knowledge and services provide a major contribution to the reliability, quality and innovation of products and processes in business and society.

In brief:

• Globally recognised metrology institute
• Management and development of national measurement standards and measurement techniques
• Outstanding expertise and high-tech laboratories
• The bridge between science and industry

VSL provides the most accurate calibrations in terms of time and frequency that can be traced directly back to the national time standard. The scope of VSL ranges from frequency measurements with an uncertainty of 0.000 000 000 000 2 Hz/Hz to stopwatch calibrations with an uncertainty of 0.014 seconds per day.